Critical naval bases will have new docking ports and refitted buildings thanks to record investment in the biggest upgrade program in decades.
Visiting HMNB Clyde today, Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP confirmed £26 billion investment over ten years to modernize the Royal Navy’s three main naval bases: HMNB Clyde, HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth.
The funding, which was confirmed in the recent Defence Investment Plan, is the largest program of naval infrastructure investment since the end of the Cold War.
It will transform bases into warfighting-ready facilities that directly improve Royal Navy readiness, availability and lethality. Upgrades will see waterfront infrastructure modernized, and new Single Living Accommodation built for our Armed Forces.
Scotland is at the heart of this new investment. HMNB Clyde — the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the Royal Navy’s submarine center of specialization — will benefit from one of the most significant and sustained programs of UK Government investment in Scotland in the coming decades, with economic benefits flowing across the West of Scotland through industrial partners based in the region.
New training facilities, out-of-water engineering infrastructure and research and development capabilities will be provided through the regeneration and upgrade programs, ultimately supporting Navy readiness and lethality in the future.
Alongside the naval investment, the Minister also confirmed over £240 million in RAF sustainment contracts benefiting Scotland, supporting more than 380 jobs. Boeing Defence UK has been awarded a £115.2 million, two-year contract extension to sustain the RAF’s fleet of nine P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operated from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, safeguarding over 200 highly skilled jobs and more than 20 apprenticeships. A separate E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract worth £127.5 million will sustain approximately 180 jobs, with 60–80 new roles projected and four further apprenticeships created.
Moray, safeguarding over 200 highly skilled jobs and more than 20 apprenticeships. A separate E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract worth £127.5 million will sustain approximately 180 jobs, with 60–80 new roles projected and four further apprenticeships created.